Software
Houzz Logo Print
otm12

furniture placement

13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I posted a few weeks ago regarding trying to update my very traditional living room. Most people responded that I should move my furniture. I have, but feel the spaces at end s of sofa are "awkward. Not enough room to put a chair as I had wanted. The room is longer than wide. Cupboard is on long wall. I will have matching chairs where the chair currently is in the photo. Is this better? I'm hesitant!

Comments (15)

  • 13 years ago
    The marching chairs will help, but you might also want to think about adding some artwork on each side and in between the windows. You could also add a variety of mirrors, as that will make the space appear bigger. Good luck!
  • 13 years ago
    I do not like that big piece by the window. Why are you using a cupboard in the LR? Looks like is should be int he DR. Do you have another tall cabinet int he room? Take a picture of the entire space in one frame if you can.
  • 13 years ago
    How about pretty window treatments? Hang them all the way to the ceiling to make your room look larger. Beautiful fabric/patterns will provide a nice focal point in the room. I also have my china cabinet in my living room bc my dinning room is too small to fit it. The window treatments will also frame the couch.
  • 13 years ago
    If I wanted an update, I would not focus on furniture placement beyond the excellent beginning you've made in the first / second picture from the 3/4th photos except to add more elements with more transitional style and paint / hang drapery to begin layering more modern patterns into the space. I like the layout in the first/second pic (so I'm guessing that is the first step you took after your first post).

    When when you add the new pair of chairs, pick a more modern print - perhaps a suzani or a stylized floral. Consider if there is space to add a ledge or narrow sofa table behind your counch, and layer in two taller lamps there - again, select something matched and classic (polished nickel candlestick lamps are traditional, but fresh) Perhaps slide the seating area towards the breakfront just a bit, and put the existing chair and table (since it is fairly open, and narrow) opposite the breakfront itself / with its back slanted to the couch side of the room to add some dark wood to the other side of the room to help balance the breakfront (gorgeous). Layer your fabric prints in lots of indigo - consider complementary fabrics hung to flank the windows on dark wood fluted rods (to layer the dark wood). Finally, the white walls also seem a bit outdated. I'm guessing you are not ready to go glossy navy (but that would be fabulous with white trim traditional and fresh since you have so much light), but at least consider a wedgewood blue or a neutral taupe to contrast with the trim.

    In the second photo, I see a tall curio off to the right rear - if you could place that in the corner behind and to the dining room (guessing) end of the couch, it's height would also better balance the breakfront in its new spot. Your rug is gorgeous, and these basics will go with nearly anything you do. However, with three different blue and white fabric prints - one on the new chair pair, one at the window (perhaps blue on mostly white there once room is painted) and add pops of yellow and white in the pillows for spring . . . you just need to layer some fresh patterns in. See this for curtains that would do the trick http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/shop+fabrics+by+color/blue/kalah+blue.do Panels that flank but don't compromise the view or light or beautiful divided pane lights would be my choice for softness and color.
  • 13 years ago
    It looks much better. Your instincts are right you need to bring in the matching chairs to balance the arrangement. Why don't you put the side tables at the arms of the sofa. I think you feel it looks cramped because you are getting used to the new placement, but I think it looks terrific. I agree with placing a large plant in the corner and dressing up your walls a bit but IMHO it is very balanced and cozy
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    A pair of chairs would make the room more functional & add symmetry. A rug that's not a rectangle (such as a square or round rug) would avoid so many long rectangles.

    Also Window treatments (if they're the right style) will make the room look a lot wider. Want a visual? - Check out the before and after photos - at this site:

    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=long+narrow+living+room

    Or for more ideas regarding updating your look - click here:

    http://www.interiordesigngreensboro.com/search?q=update+a+room+candice+olsen+

    If you like our tips, please click "like".....and we love hearing your comments!
  • PRO
    13 years ago
    I would recommend putting in Roman Shades I think it will add alot to the space.

    http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/blinds-toronto/shades-toronto/roman-blinds.html
  • 13 years ago
    I like the drapes in picture Transforming Rooms sent, for your space, it will mke the room appear wider.
  • 13 years ago
    Thank you blinds direct-you recommended
    that before! You must really like them!! lol
  • 13 years ago
    libradesigneye- at your suggestion, the curio would (just) fit to the left of the sofa. From the face of it to the window frame would leave just 10 inches. Would that look too crowded with a drape?
  • 13 years ago
    aniluap2- your pictures are wonderful! The side tables would be half off the carpet- wouldn't that look odd?
  • 13 years ago
    Your largest piece should always be on the longest wall. The breakfront should be used as a "bookcase" as opposed to a china cabinet. A sofa table would be nice with some vintage type objects or architectural salvage pieces to add interest. A lamp (or pair) might work well also. Nothing wimpy. A pair of chairs facing the sofa would add balance. They don't need to match, but should be the same scale and height. Although window treatments may add softness, you have beautiful millwork. I would try some great artwork first between your windows or a mirror. Don't be afraid to mix some vibrant prints for throw pillows and colorful accessories for pop. Pick up the colors in you lovely rug. Bring in some plants for life. Good Luck!
  • 13 years ago
    You are right, it would look odd being half off the rug unless it is balanced on the other side with the chairs being partly of the rug as well. The only way to achieve the chairs being spaced more widely is to have a larger , maybe a round table between them. I don't know what you have in mind for chairs but if they are wider arm chairs they may do this automatically. I do think your cabinet would not make sense stuffed in the corner and I think cpsz is right in target on how to use it in its current placement.
  • 13 years ago
    By the way the rule on furniture place ment on rugs is either have all the furniture sitting on the rug or all of it partially on .